From shabby to chic: A terrific home transformation

Today, we are going to visit France, where design professionalsClaire de Bodinat / Archidesign have taken a very shabby, run down and outdated home and transformed it into a modern, ultra-chic masterpiece.

What's most impressive about this home is how the designers have managed to work within the space available to them. They've taken a very small and dark home and renovated it into a space that feels large and expansive.

We hope that as you explore these gorgeous photographs, you'll be inspired to make even the smallest of changes to your own home. Maybe a little transformation will occur for you!

Before: Dark and dingy

DEUXIEME ETAGE / SÉJOUR AVANT TRAVAUX

Even the bright, neon light can't save this grotty home. The dark walls, bright red cabinets and even darker floors create a space that is incredibly cave-like.

If you have a smaller home, darker colours can constrict space rather than enhancing it. If you want to incorporate dark colours in your home, you need to ensure that your home receives an abundance of natural light.

After: Sweet and homely

PREMIER ÉTAGE / CUISINE / PROJET 3D

The renovated home features the restored wooden ceiling beams, which brings a very authentic and homely touch to the space. A mix of the old and the new can be very beneficial!

We can also see how the open plan design makes for a very spacious-looking living area, where the dining room and kitchen flow into one another. The bedroom is in the back corner and is separated from the rest of the home by a glass sliding door, still allowing it to flow into the living space.

Don't you love how the wooden stairs soften the look and feel of this element? The steel staircase that we saw in the previous design was quite harsh!

After: Pristine

DEUXIÈME ÉTAGE / SÉJOUR / PROJET 3D

Now this is a modern and homely environment that anyone would want to live in.

This simple living space shows how less is so much more. Only the most functional of items are featured in this space, while a splash of colour and beauty is added in the form of a pot plant – a great tip! This connects the home to the exterior space subtly yet flawlessly.

In a minimalist and modern space, don't be afraid to use functional items as decor accessories. As you can see in this room, a functional light makes for the perfect and stylish finish to the room.